Gophers football: Top receiver A.J. Barker still nursing ankle injury

Minnesota wide receiver A.J. Barker heads to the end zone on a 53-yard touchdown catch and run during the first half of the Sept. 15 Gophers' game against Western Michigan in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 28-23. Barker finished with 101 yards and three touchdowns. (Associated Press: Paul Battaglia)

The Gophers have the Big Ten's fourth-leading receiver, but junior A.J. Barker's status this week is uncertain after he missed practice Tuesday, Oct. 30, with a right ankle injury.

Barker, who has 30 catches for 577 yards and seven touchdowns, rolled the back of his right ankle after his second touchdown catch in the first half of last week's 44-28 victory over Purdue. He didn't return to the game after making five catches for 135 yards. The 100-yard game was his third this season.

Gophers coach Jerry Kill said Tuesday that "you hope he's able to play" Saturday against Michigan.

"It's back where the Achilles' is," Kill said. "Of course, he didn't tear it, or he wouldn't be walking. He turned his ankle, and it's kind of in a tender place. We met today with the trainer and our coaching staff. It's a time thing. But it's certainly a concern. Hopefully we can know more on Wednesday."

Barker said after the Purdue game that he was "cautiously optimistic" he would be back. Nelson's most reliable target without Barker would be senior MarQueis Gray, who is the healthiest he's been since reinjuring his left ankle against Northwestern on Oct. 13.

Gray, who made the switch from quarterback to receiver two weeks ago, had his best receiving game since 2010 with four catches for 53 yards against Purdue. His diving catch of a 33-yard pass in the first quarter was a momentum-changer.

"I know it probably helped (Nelson's) confidence," Gray said.

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"I'm just out there to relieve some of that stress and pressure off of him, just make plays for him. It gave me confidence, as well. It let me know I still got enough speed to get past the cornerbacks and be able to stretch out and get the ball."

Freshman K.J. Maye also could help the Gophers if Barker is limited. Maye, who had two catches for 15 yards against Purdue, moved from running back to receiver last week.

"I'm liking it," Maye said. "I was working also at receiver before I got here this summer, so it wasn't that big of a change."